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LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 4

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Revelation

The book is “The Revelation, or the unveiling, of Jesus Christ” (v.1). Just as the veil of the temple was opened from top to bottom, and the Ark of the Covenant was revealed, so this prophecy reveals or unveils the coming of Christ in the Day of the Lord to destroy His enemies, to take possession of the earth and to rule in splendor and glory. It, the Revelation, was given by Him; and it is about Him and His Second Advent. Jesus gave the Revelation to John; an angel “signified” or clarified its meaning (see John 18:32). The book is sent to God’s “servants” who are represented by the seven churches. It is true that all believers of all ages are God’s servants, but in the Revelation it is used in a restricted sense of the seven churches, which are comprised of Jewish believers. (See Rev. 2:20; 7:3; Rev. 10:7; Rev. 11:18; Rev. 19:5; Rev. 22:3,6.)

In verse 2, John records what Jesus did and calls Him the Word of God (see John’s Gospel and epistles). John calls Him by His earthly and official names. “Jesus” is His earthly name, which means, Jehovah saves. “Christ” is His official name and means the anointed or Messiah. Jesus Christ was Israel’s Messiah and they knew Him not.

It is important to remember that at the time John records the Revelation, he had already seen the entire vision through chapter 22:21. As he writes, he adds commentary and at times speaks of the time he was in. At other times, he speaks of what he has seen and what was to follow.

Jesus is also called, “God’s Faithful Witness.” His followers must also follow His example. Prior to His ascension to heaven, He commissioned the twelve as His witnesses (see Acts 1:8). The Book of Acts is a record of their faithful attempt to witness His resurrection to Israel and bring them to repentance so they might have the promised kingdom. Their witness was rejected. However, His faithful servants will take up the witness again in the Day of the Lord as recorded in the Book of Revelation. (See Rev. 6:9; 11:7; 12:11, 17; 19:10; 20:4.) Those who are faithful and endure to the end will enter the kingdom. “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). If we would mentally remove Romans through Philemon from our Bibles, we would see that there is a continuous witness from Acts through Revelation, with the offer of the Kingdom to Israel.

The “blessing” (v.3) is for those who read, hear, and keep the things written in the Book of Revelation. The entire book is written to the seven churches. They will testify that Jesus is the Christ in the Day of the Lord. Therefore, the “blessings” are for them. No one in this dispensation is to “keep” or do the things written to the seven churches. These churches do not exist in this dispensation; literally or figuratively.

“…the time is at hand.” In other words, the time at hand was contemporary with the Day of the Lord.

The seven churches are in “Asia” (v. 4). Asia is not the United States of America. These letters are for the Jews in a specific location in the “Day of the Lord.”

These letters to the seven churches are from:
1. The Eternal God- He is called the God who was, is, and is to come. He is the same God who appeared to Moses in the Wilderness as the great “I Am.” He is the eternal, ever- present, and ever-existing God!

2. The Eternal Spirit- Chapter 5 sheds light on what is meant by the “seven Spirits.” “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth” (v.6). The seven horns and the seven eyes are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. No doubt these speak of the omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent Holy Spirit. The horns represent strength. The Eyes represent wisdom and observation. Their presence in all the earth assures the remnant that He is with them in their sufferings. This truth is seen throughout the Psalms.

3. The Eternal Son- The deity of Christ is attested throughout the book. Verses 5-6 state that he is:
a. The “Faithful witness” – We dealt with this in verse two. This speaks of Him as the “Son of Man” during His earthly ministry and in the coming “Day of the Lord.” God the Father said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The book to the Hebrews speaks of Him as a faithful High Priest. Jesus is seen in this book as the Son of Man, and God’s faithful high priest. Overcoming will be the requirement of the remnant if they are to enter the promised rest and become a nation of kings and priests. Jesus Christ is faithful and He is, “The same yesterday, today and forever.” (See Hebrews 13: 8.) Faithfulness is the requirement in the Day of the Lord to become citizens of the Kingdom.

b. The “first begotten of the dead” – This speaks of His resurrection in a glorified body. Jesus is the only person raised to eternal life in a glorified body. Thus, He is the “first begotten” and the “first fruits” from among the dead! This speaks volumes as to who He is, and of God’s pleasure toward Him.

c. It is said here, in time, that Jesus Christ is “the prince of the kings of the earth” It means, at this point in the Day of the Lord, John has already seen the complete unfolding of the Revelation, and Jesus is the prince of the kings of the earth. As said earlier, in relation to the time in which John found himself, Jesus had taken His position over the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

However, as far as Israel is concerned today, Jesus Christ is a banished and rejected King in waiting. “From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool” (Hebrews 10:13). He is not the prince of the kings of the earth today and most world leaders do not even acknowledge His existence except for political advantage. It is so imperative that we understand what John meant by “in the Spirit” and “the day of the Lord” which we will deal with in 1:10.

d. Jesus, “…that loved us and washed us from our sins” (v.5). To be washed in His blood is a figure of speech that speaks of His atoning death for them. No one in the Old Testament was ever “washed in blood.” His death on the cross atoned for their sins. As a garment washed in water looses and removes the dirt, so Jesus’ death on the cross loosed them from their sins and its penalty. The “us” in Revelation is not a reference to the body of Christ, but specifically the nation of Israel. At what point they fully understand this, we are not sure. God’s love for Israel is clearly stated throughout the Old Testament. “Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever…” (2 Chron. 9:8; see also Hosea 11:1).

Keep in mind that those speaking are doing so in retrospect. They have overcome the Beast, endured to the end of the tribulation, and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. It is the example of Christ’s faithfulness unto death, and His resurrection that empowered these to willingly lay down their lives for Him. This is how they “washed” their own robes in His blood. Again, those who have come through the Great Tribulation state this.

e. “…made us kings and priests” – This is the rejoicing by those who have rejected the mark of the beast and endured to the end. The above is a statement of fact. The text says, “hath made us…” This is the fulfillment of Exodus 19:6, which says, “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.” Peter says the same thing to the “…strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”

This promise is given again to Thyatira, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father” (Rev. 2:26-27). Verse 6 will become a reality for believing Israel in the “Day of the Lord.” The following will illustrate Jesus’ promise to the faithful: “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” Luke 19:17. “That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Luke 22:30. “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 3

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Revelation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Symbols and Types

Finally, there is the problem of symbols and types. Revelation is written in symbols and types more than any other book in Scripture. Ezekiel runs a close second. In some places, the Spirit gives a clear interpretation of what these symbols represent. However, in other cases, the reader is left without an interpreter. This will be discovered when we see the differences between the “scholars.” Revelation is a book of prophecy, and much of it will never be understood until the events take place. Hindsight is 20/20.

In this commentary, we attempt to follow the rules discussed in this introduction. We admit that there are times when our interpretation is, at best, a guess. We have also discovered that many of the so-called scholars have done the same thing. Their lack of agreement among themselves should convince us that there is only so much light given on the prophecies of this book, and that its full meaning will be known by those to whom it was written.

  • Revelation is the 66th Book in the Bible
  • Revelation is the 27th Book of the New Testament
  • Writer: TheApostleJohn
  • Date of the Book: Dates offered, A.D. 50-60, and A.D. 96
  • Number of Chapters: 22
  • Number of Verses: 404

 STUDY OF REVELATION

The Vision of The Seven Churches On Earth

Chapter 1

“1:1-6 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.  John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

The Gospels contain the prophecies of the Great Tribulation, and the Book of Revelation describes them. Between these two, come the Scriptures of the intermediate period: Acts and the Epistles. Chronologically, Revelation follows after the Epistles, though logically, in God’s purpose (Eph. 3:11), it follows the four Gospels. The scope of Revelation embraces the “wind-up” of the affairs of time. It records the end of prophecy, the end of “the mystery of God” (10:7), the end of all “enmity towards God,” and the dawn of the “ages of the ages.”

Dake lists for us the five ages in time, they are:

(1)  The antechaotic age-from the original creation (Genesis 1:1) to chaos (Genesis 1:2), during which time Lucifer ruled the earth in perfection, before he fell and caused the earth to be flooded (Genesis 1:1-2; Isaiah 14:12-14; Jeremiah 4:23-26; Ezekiel 28:11-17; Luke 10:18; 2 Peter 3:5-7). This age took in all the period of the dateless past, the original creations, Lucifer’s reign in perfection (Ezekiel 28:15), the period of rebellion by Lucifer and pre-Adamites, the war between heaven and earth which culminated in Lucifer’s defeat (Isaiah 14:12-14; Luke 10:18), and the chaotic period on earth after Lucifer’s defeat (Genesis 1:2; Jeremiah 4:23-26; 2 Peter 3:5-7). These periods were of unknown length, and could be called the Eternal Past.

(2)  The antediluvian age-from the beginning of the six days of restoration of the heavens and earth to a second habitable state (Genesis 1:3-2:25) to the flood ofNoah’s time; or, from the flood of Lucifer (Genesis 1:2) to the flood ofNoah(Genesis 6:8-8:14). This age included the dispensations of Innocence and Conscience-1,656 years (Genesis 5).

(3)  The present or postdiluvian age-from the flood ofNoah(Genesis 6:8-8:14) to the Millennium (Rev. 19:11-20:7). This age takes in four dispensations: Human Government, Promise, Law, and Grace-already over 4,545 years by A.D. 2000.

(4)  The age to come-from the second coming ofChrist(Rev. 19:11-21) to the New Heavens and New Earth (Rev.21-22). This age will last 1,000 years (Rev. 20:4-10).

(5)  The age of the ages-from the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:4-10) into all eternity when God will move His capital city from the planet Heaven to the planet Earth to reign forever (Rev. 11:15; Rev. 21:1-22:5; Genesis 9:12,16; Genesis 17:1-8; 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89; Isaiah 9:6-7; Ezekiel 43:7; Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14,18,27; Luke 1:32-33; 1 Cor. 15:24-28). This could be called the Eternal Future. —Dake’s Topics

 

LET STUDY REVELATION # 2

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Revelation

LET STUDY REVELATION # 2
By Ken Blue

 

 

 

 

 

In our last study of Revelation, we mentioned the importance of understanding looping parallelism. In this study we will give a few examples of that principle. I believe most of them will be clear to the reader.
The Rule of Looping Parallelism: Looping parallelism is demonstrated where the first account of an event gives the quick “scope” or overview of the subject matter. The first account will be very general and broad. The second account loops back to a particular beginning point; will cover the same time period and give additional details or information of the same event.
Examples of looping parallelism:
1. Genesis chapters 1 & 2:
Genesis 1 begins in the dateless past and moves forward through the six days of creation. Genesis 2:4 corresponds to the original creation in Genesis 1:1. Genesis 2:4 gives a second account, which is complete in itself to a great extent. Thus, Genesis 1:3-2:4 summarizes the six days of creation. Genesis 2:5-25 gives a more detailed account of the work done on day two, day three, day five, and day six. The first account is a general statement of all things created. The second enlarges on the work done on the afore mentioned days.
2. Book of Daniel:
In Daniel 2 we are given the five steps in the course of prophecy for Daniel’s people and of Gentile dominion. Those steps are in the book of Daniel beginning with:
1. The head of gold: Babylon-Daniel 2:37.
2. The breast and arms: Medo-Persia-Daniel 2:32, 35, 39.
3. The belly and thighs of brass: Greece-Daniel 2:32, 35, 39.
4. The legs of Iron: Old Roman Empire- Daniel 32, 35, 40.
5. The feet and toes of iron and clay: The revised Roman Empire- Daniel 2:33, 35, 44.
In chapter 7 Daniel gives those five steps again, but in more detail. In chapter 8 he gives those five steps once again, but in greater detail. In chapter 9 he gives the five steps again, still in greater detail. Chapters 10-12 give even greater detail (especially in the fifth step).
Matthew’s Gospel:
In Matthew 24 the Lord Jesus outlines the Day of the Lord. The three important questions are
in verse three. “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Matthew 24:3.
Verses 4-14 give a sweeping account of the Day of the Lord. However, in verses 15-28 He loops back to the mid-point of the first account with additional information. Then, He loops back again at verses 29-31 for a more detailed account of the end portion of the Day of the Lord.
Now with that understanding, let us consider the six parallel accounts in Revelation chapters 6 through 22:5, which are the historical account of the Lord’s Day:
1. Chapter 6:1-17. The Holy Spirit gives a quick scope of the entire “Day of the Lord.” (This is seen in the seven seals). The writer then loops back in 7:1-17 to the beginning and goes through it another time with added details. These two chapters take you through the Day of the Lord from its beginning to its end! “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Revelation 6:17. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17.
2. Chapters 8:1-10:7. This section loops back to the middle of the “Day of the Lord” or the 3-1/2 year mid-point. This is where the “Great Tribulation” begins. The scope of the Great Tribulation is given here. The seven trumpets take you through the hour of judgment. Chapters 10:8-11:19 loop back to the same mid-point as above and go through it again, giving greater details of the tribulation concerning the city of Jerusalem. “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” Revelation 10:7. “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:1.)
3. Chapters 12:1-14:5. This section loops back to the beginning of the satanic plan against Israel and her Seed. It takes you back to Genesis 3. After a quick overview, the writer brings you back to the mid-point of the tribulation and takes you through the Great Tribulation one more time with the satanic plan in view. This gives the Scope of the satanic plan and explains the mystery of iniquity and Israel’s continuous sufferings. Chapter 14:6-20 loops back and goes through it one more time with details of the satanic plan. This is the third looping parallelism. “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Revelation 14:5. “And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” Revelation 14:20.
4. Chapters 15:1-16:21. This section gives the fourth looping parallelism. Here, the writer returns to the beginning of the last quarter of the Great Tribulation. He gives an overview of the great and terrible “Day of the Lord.” There we see the seven vials judgments. Chapters 17:1-18:24 loop back, way beyond the Day of the Lord to the beginning of Babylon, in order to give the reader an understanding of what is about to happen. He resumes at the same quarter point mentioned above. He then gives the details of her destruction in chapters 17 and 18. “And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” Revelation 16:21. “And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.” Revelation 18:24.
5. Chapter 19:1-21 loops back and gives the scope of the final and great day of God’s wrath. Chapter 20:1-3 loops back and go through it again, but with more details.
“And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” Revelation 19:21. “And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” Revelation 20:3.

6. Chapter 20:4-15 loops back and gives the scope of God’s purpose for Israel by giving them the kingdom. Chapters 21:1-22:5 loop back to the beginning of the kingdom. There is no end to it.
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15.
“And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:5.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION-# 1

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Revelation

Our plan is to study the book of Revelation by adding a lesson each week, as the Lord permits. I hope you are helped and blessed. Feel free to add any comments or questions.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION-# 1

The Book of Revelation is the introduction to the “Day of the Lord,” wherein Jesus Christ returns to this earth to defeat Satan and his host and reclaim that which He created and redeemed. In that day it will be revealed that He is the rightful and only Lord God Almighty. Paul charged Timothy in the sight of the mighty Christ to: “…keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (1 Timothy 6:14-15). Revelation 1:1-19:11 is the account of events which precede the appearing or unveiling of King Jesus.

There are several errors some commentators make when considering the Book of Revelation. The first, being the assumption that Revelation 1:19 gives the key outline of the book. This is the traditional approach, and it has blinded readers to any other consideration. The second error is the assumption that Revelation is written in chronological order. It is not. Finally, there is the wrong interpretation of symbols, such as making that which is literal, symbolic; and that which is symbolic, literal. Until the reader understands these matters and applies them properly, he will always be confused as to the true purpose and meaning of Revelation.

In chapter 1, we deal at length with the first problem. We believe the key to the book is not verse 19, but rather verse 10; and that it gives a clear understanding of the “Day of the Lord.”

The Book of Revelation is not chronological, but rather it is several accounts of the same events. This principle can be clearly understood from the four gospels. Although they are different, each is an account of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ with added details. Below, we give extensive examples of this principle for the reader’s consideration, in the hope it will aid in the understanding of the Revelation.

The Rule of Looping Parallelism:

Looping parallelism is demonstrated where the first account of an event gives the quick “scope” or overview of the subject matter. The first account will be very general and broad. The second account loops back to a particular beginning point; will cover the same time period and give additional details or information of the same event.

 

THE TRADITION TEST

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TRADITION IN YOUR MINISTRY
tradition

By Ken Blue

“Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.” Acts 16:3.

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 .

It is possible, like the Jews, we too have allowed tradition to hinder our outreach and the Word of God. A good question is what would we give up or add in order to win more souls for Christ. I believe our answer may reveal just how strongly we are bound to tradition.

1.         Would you be willing to have services on another day instead of Sunday, if it meant you would reach more people?

2.         Would you be willing to change the order of your Sunday service, if it meant you would reach more people?

3.         Would you be willing to change the time of your service on Sunday, if it meant you would reach more people?

4.         Would you be willing to change the style of your preaching, if it meant you would reach more people?

5.         Would you be willing to change the decor and arrangement of your building, if it meant you would reach more people?

6.         Would you be willing to have your choir wear robes, if it meant you would reach more people?

7.         Are there musical instruments you would not use, even if using them meant you would reach more people?

8.         Would you be willing to change your music, if it meant you would reach more people?

9.         Would you be willing to use background music, if it meant you would reach more people?

10.       Would you be willing to face the wrath of the brethren, if it meant you would reach more people?

Now, there is no guarantee that any of the changes would lead to reaching more souls for Christ. The point is, would you be willing to change if you knew it would? Your answer will reveal your value of souls and the ruts of tradition in your ministry.